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In a year-end speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that a possible treaty was ninety percent ready. "This peace agreement is 90% complete, ten percent remains," he remarked. "This is far more than simply numbers."

An Agreement Needs Strong Assurances, Not Fragile Truce

Zelenskyy made clear that his country seeks peace but would not accept it at "any possible cost". "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Absolutely. No matter the price? No," he said. "Our goal is a conclusion to the conflict but not the end of Ukraine."

"Are we weary? Extremely. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Any person who believes that is profoundly wrong," Zelenskyy continued.

He expressed doubt about Russian aims, suggesting that should forces pulled out from the eastern Donbas, the conflict would not end. "Withdraw from the eastern regions, and everything will end. That is how a lie translates," he remarked.

European Allies to Plan Post-Conflict Guarantees

Separately, French leader Emmanuel Macron stated that EU leaders and allies gathering in Paris on 6 January will establish firm commitments towards protecting the country following any agreement with Russia is brokered.

Reciprocal Attacks Reported

At the same time, reports of military strikes persisted. An official from Kyiv's security service said that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Rybinsk, sparking a significant blaze.

On the other side, in southern Ukraine, a Russian-launched aerial assault hit apartment buildings and energy infrastructure in Odesa, wounding several people, among them minors. Local authorities confirmed multiple buildings were damaged and considerable damage was reported to two energy facilities.

Disputed Allegations Over Drone Attack

Regarding previous claims of a UAV attack aimed at a residence of Russian leader, American and European officials agree that Ukraine was not behind the event. An article indicated that American security officials determined the reported incident "never occurred".

Reacting, The Russian ministry of defense published a footage claiming to show debris of a destroyed Ukrainian drone. An official from Ukraine's foreign ministry ridiculed the evidence as "absurd" and stated it showed a lack of seriousness in fabricating the story.

European Official Calls Claims a "Distraction"

The EU's top diplomat called Russia's claims "a deliberate distraction". "Nobody should accept baseless claims from the aggressor," she remarked.

Additional Updates

• DPRK Role: The DPRK's leader, Kim Jong-un, reportedly hailed troops serving in an "foreign territory" in a new year's message. Reports indicate the country has sent a significant number of troops to aid the Russian military campaign in Ukraine.
• Sanctions Reprieve: United States authorities have according to a minister granted a short-term exemption from restrictions to a Serbia-based, largely Russian-controlled energy firm until 23 January. This entity operates Serbia's sole oil refinery.